Method of reproducing process cartridge or developing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method of reproducing a process cartridge or a developing apparatus has the step of removing a supporting member from a developing frame body, the step of separating a developer container and the developing frame body from each other in a joint portion wherein the developer container and the developing frame body are joined together, the sticking step of sticking a seal member for closing an opening portion for supplying a developer in the separated developer container, the developer refilling step of refilling the developer container with the developer, the step of recoupling the developer container and the developing frame body together thereafter, and the step of reattaching the supporting member onto one of the developer container and the developing frame body. Thereby, the reproduction of the developing apparatus or the process cartridge can be effected easily.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a method of reproducing a processcartridge detachably attachable to an electrophotographic image formingapparatus and a method of reproducing a developing apparatus.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic imageforming process, there has heretofore been adopted a cartridge system inwhich developing means and a developer containing portion are integrallymade into a cartridge or an electrophotographic photosensitive memberand process means (including the developing means and the developercontaining portion) for acting on the electrophotographic photosensitivemember are integrally made into a cartridge, which is made detachablyattachable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.The electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process means foracting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member which areintegrally made into a cartridge are usually called a process cartridge.

[0005] According to this cartridge system, the maintenance of the imageforming apparatus can be effected by a user himself without resort to aserviceman and therefore, operability can be markedly improved. So, thiscartridge system is widely used in electrophotographic image formingapparatuses.

[0006] Such a cartridge (a developing apparatus made into a cartridge,or a process cartridge) serves to form an image on a recording medium bythe use of a toner (developer). So, the toner is consumed as imageforming is effected. The cartridge loses a commercial value as acartridge when the toner has been consumed to such an extent that itbecomes impossible to form an image of a quality satisfiable to a userwho purchased the cartridge.

[0007] Heretofore there has been desired the realization of a simplecartridge reproducing method which can again commercialize a cartridgewhich has lost a commercial value with the toner therein consumed.

[0008] The present invention is applied to a method of reproducing aprocess cartridge made detachably attachable to an electrophotographicimage forming apparatus and a method of reproducing a developingapparatus.

[0009] Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is anapparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by the use of theelectrophotographic image forming process. Examples of theelectrophotographic image forming apparatus include anelectrophotographic copying machine, electrophotographic printers (e.g.a laser printer, an LED printer, etc.), a facsimile apparatus, a wordprocessor, etc.

[0010] Also, the process cartridge refers to at least developing meansand an electrophotographic photosensitive member integrally made into acartridge, which is made detachably attachable to an electrophotographicimage forming apparatus main body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method ofreproducing a developing apparatus and a process cartridge which can besimply reproduced.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a methodof reproducing a developing apparatus and a process cartridge whichenable the attachment of a supporting member for supporting a developingmember to be simply effected.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a methodof reproducing a developing apparatus and a process cartridge whichenable the mounting of a developing member to be effected simply andreliably.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a methodof reproducing a developing apparatus and a process cartridge whichenable a supporting member to be simply attached by a coupling memberinstead of the mounting portion of the supporting member removed when adeveloper container and a developing frame body are separated from eachother, and a process cartridge.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a methodof reproducing a developing apparatus detachably attachable to anelectrophotographic image forming apparatus main body for developing alatent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, thedeveloping apparatus having a developing member for developing thelatent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, adeveloper container having a developer containing part containingtherein a developer to be used by the developing member, and providedwith a developer supplying opening for supplying the developer containedin the developer containing part to the developing member, a supportingmember provided on a lengthwise end portion of the developing apparatusfor supporting the developing member, and a developing frame bodyprovided with a developer passing opening for passing therethrough thedeveloper supplied from the developer supplying opening, and having ajoint portion to be joined to the developer container, and a mountingportion for mounting the supporting member, the method having:

[0016] the supporting member removing step of removing the supportingmember from the developing frame body;

[0017] the developing frame body separating step of separating thedeveloper container and the developing frame body from each other in thejoint portion, and at which at least a portion of the mounting portionis removed when the developer container and the developing frame bodyare separated from each other;

[0018] the sticking step of sticking a seal member for closing thedeveloper supplying opening provided in the developer containerseparated at the developing frame body separating step;

[0019] the developer refilling step of refilling the developercontaining part provided in the developer container separated at thedeveloping frame body separating step with the developer;

[0020] the developing frame body coupling step of coupling the developercontainer and the developing frame body separated at the developingframe body separating step together after the sticking step; and

[0021] the supporting member attaching step of attaching the supportingmember removed at the removing step onto at least one of the developercontainer and the developing frame body by the use of a coupling member.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a methodof reproducing a process cartridge detachably attachable to anelectrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the processcartridge having a developing member for developing a latent imageformed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, theelectrophotographic photosensitive member, a developer container havinga developer containing part containing therein a developer to be used bythe developing member, and provided with a developer supplying openingfor supplying the developer contained in the developer containing partto the developing member, a supporting member provided on a lengthwiseend portion of the process cartridge for supporting the developingmember, and a developing frame body provided with a developer passingopening for passing therethrough the developer supplied from thedeveloper supplying opening, and having a joint portion to be joined tothe developer container, and a mounting portion for mounting thesupporting member, the method having:

[0023] the supporting member removing step of removing the supportingmember from the developing frame member;

[0024] the developing frame body separating step of separating thedeveloper container and the developing frame body from each other in thejoint portion, and at which at least a portion of the mounting portionis removed when the developer container and the developing frame bodyare separated from each other;

[0025] the sticking step of sticking a seal member for closing thedeveloper supplying opening provided in the developer containerseparated at the developing frame body separating step;

[0026] the developer refilling step of refilling the developercontaining part provided in the developer container separated at thedeveloping frame body separating step with the developer;

[0027] the developing frame body coupling step of coupling the developercontainer and the developing frame body separated at the developingframe body separating step together after the sticking step; and

[0028] the supporting member attaching step of attaching the supportingmember removed at the removing step onto at least one of the developercontainer and the developing frame body by the use of a coupling memberafter the developing frame body coupling step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029]FIG. 1 is a typical cross-sectional view of an electrophotographicimage forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0030]FIG. 2 is a typical cross-sectional view of a process cartridgeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 3A is a side view of the process cartridge before adeveloping frame body separating step according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0032]FIG. 3B is a side view of the process cartridge after thedeveloping frame body separating step according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0033]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridgeaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridgeaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 6 is a side view of the process cartridge according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion for theprocess cartridge in the image forming apparatus according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridgeaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 9 is an illustration of the step of separating a developingframe body and a toner container from each other in a reproducingprocess for the process cartridge according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0039]FIG. 10 is an illustration of the step of separating thedeveloping frame body and the toner container from each other in thereproducing process for the process cartridge according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 11 is an illustration regarding the toner container in thereproducing process for the process cartridge according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 12 is an illustration regarding the developing frame body inthe reproducing process for the process cartridge according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a seal member used in thereproducing process for the process cartridge according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 14 is an illustration regarding the developing frame body inthe reproducing process for the process cartridge according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 15 is an illustration of the step of coupling the developingframe body and the toner container together in the reproducing processfor the process cartridge according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0045]FIG. 16 is an illustration regarding the coupling of a holder inthe reproducing process for the process cartridge according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 17 is a side view of the inner side of the holder accordingto the embodiment of the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 18 is a front view of the developing frame body according tothe embodiment of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 19 is an illustration regarding the coupling of thedeveloping frame body and the holder according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0049]FIG. 20 is an illustration regarding the coupling of thedeveloping frame body and the holder according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0050]FIG. 21 is an illustration regarding the coupling of the tonercontainer and the holder according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0051]FIG. 22 is an illustration regarding the coupling of thedeveloping frame body and the holder according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0052]FIG. 23 is a typical view of a coupling member according to theembodiment of the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 24 is an illustration regarding the coupling of thedeveloping frame body and the holder according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0054]FIG. 25 is an illustration regarding the coupling of thedeveloping frame body and the holder according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0055]FIG. 26 is an illustration regarding the coupling of the tonercontainer and the holder according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0056]FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the interior of the tonercontainer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0057]FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the interior of a cleaningcontainer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0058]FIG. 29A is a side view of the process cartridge before thedeveloping frame body separating step according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0059]FIG. 29B is a side view of the process cartridge after thedeveloping frame body separating step according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0060]FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a method of producing the processcartridge or the developing apparatus of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention willhereinafter be described in detail by way of example with reference tothe drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relativedisposition, etc. of constituent parts described in these embodimentsare not intended to restrict the scope of the present invention thereto.

[0062] Description will hereinafter be made of an embodiment of thepresent invention regarding a method of reproducing a process cartridge.Here, the process cartridge includes developing means and a developercontaining portion. Accordingly, an electrophotographic photosensitivemember, etc. further added to a developing apparatus made into acartridge can be said to be a process cartridge. Accordingly, thedescription of an embodiment of the present invention regarding themethod of reproducing a process cartridge is also the description of anembodiment of the present invention regarding a method of reproducing adeveloping apparatus.

[0063] [Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus A and ProcessCartridge B]

[0064] Reference is first had to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular to describean electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a typical cross-sectionalview of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to theembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a typical cross-sectionalview of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0065] The electrophotographic image forming apparatus A according tothe present embodiment serves to form an image on a recording medium(such as recording paper, an OHP sheet or cloth) 2 by anelectrophotographic image forming process.

[0066] The electrophotographic image forming process will be describedhere.

[0067] In this process, a toner image is formed on a drum-shapedelectrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to asthe photosensitive drum). More particularly, charging is effected on thephotosensitive drum 7 by charging means 8 to thereby uniformize thepotential of the surface of the drum. Then, a laser beam conforming toimage information is applied from optical means 1 to the photosensitivedrum 7 to thereby form a latent image conforming to the imageinformation on the photosensitive drum 7. This latent image is developedwith a toner which is a developer by developing means 10 to thereby forma toner image.

[0068] On the other hand, in synchronism with the formation of thistoner image, the recording medium 2 set on a sheet feeding cassette 3 ais reverse-transported by a pickup roller 3 b and pairs of transportingrollers 3 c, 3 d and 3 e.

[0069] Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 in theprocess cartridge B is transferred to the recording medium 2 by avoltage being applied to a transferring roller 4 as transferring means.Thereafter, the recording medium 2 to which the toner image has beentransferred is transported to fixing means 5 by a transport guide 3 f.This fixing means 5 has a drive roller 5 c and a fixing roller 5 bcontaining a heater 5 a therein. By this fixing means 5, heat andpressure are applied to the recording medium 2 passing therethrough tothereby fix the transferred toner image.

[0070] The recording medium 2 is then discharged to a discharging tray 6via a reverse transport path 3 j by the transporting forces ofdischarging rollers 3 g and 3 h. The discharging tray 6 is provided onthe upper surface of the image forming apparatus A. A rockable flapper 3k can be operated to thereby discharge the recording medium 2 alsowithout the intermediary of the reverse transport path 3 j.

[0071] In the present embodiment, transporting means for transportingthe sheet has the pickup roller 3 b, the pairs of transporting rollers 3c, 3 d, 3 e, the transport guide 3 f and the discharging rollers 3 g, 3h.

[0072] The cartridge B will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1and 2 in particular.

[0073] In the cartridge B, the photosensitive drum 7 is rotated and thesurface thereof is uniformly charged by the application of a voltage tothe charging roller 8 which is the charging means. Then, a laser beamconforming to the image information from the optical means 1 is appliedto the photosensitive drum 7 through an exposure opening portion 1Q tothereby form a latent image. This latent image is developed by thedeveloping means 10 by the use of the toner. The charging roller 8 isprovided in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, and effects chargingon the photosensitive drum 7. This charging roller 8 is driven to rotateby the photosensitive drum 7. Also, the developing means 10 supplies thetoner to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 7 to therebydevelop the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7.

[0074] In the developing means 10, the toner in a toner containing part14 is fed out to a developing roller 12 by the rotation of a tonerfeeding member 15. A developing sleeve 12 as a developer carrying membercontaining a magnet 17 therein is then rotated. A toner layer havingtriboelectrification charges imparted thereto by a developing blade 18is formed on the surface of the developing sleeve 12, and the toner issupplied to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 7. Then, thetoner is shifted to the photosensitive drum 7 in conformity with thelatent image to thereby form and visualize a toner image.

[0075] The developing blade 18 serves to prescribe the amount of toneron the peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 12 and also imparttriboelectrification charges. Also, near this developing sleeve 12,there is rotatably mounted a toner agitating member 16 for circulatingthe toner in a developing chamber.

[0076] A voltage opposite in polarity to the toner image is then appliedto the transferring roller 4, and the toner image formed on thephotosensitive drum 7 is transferred to the recording medium 2.Thereafter, any residual toner on the photosensitive drum 7 is removedby cleaning means 9. The cleaning means 9 scrapes off the residual toneron the photosensitive drum 7 by an elastic cleaning blade 9 a providedin abutting relationship with the photosensitive drum 7 and collects itinto a waste toner reservoir 9 b.

[0077] In the cartridge B, a toner container 11 having the tonercontaining portion 14 containing the toner therein and a developingframe body 13 for holding various constituent members including thedeveloping sleeve 12 constituting the developing means 10 are coupledtogether. A cleaning frame body 9 c having mounted thereon thephotosensitive drum 7, the cleaning means 9 such as the blade 9 a andthe charging roller 8 is coupled to the developing frame member.

[0078] The cartridge B is made detachably attachable to the imageforming apparatus A by an operator user.

[0079] Also, the cartridge B is provided with the exposure openingportion 1 e for applying therethrough a light conforming to the imageinformation to the photosensitive drum 7, and a transfer opening portion13 o for opposing the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2.More particularly, the exposure opening portion 1 l is provided in thecleaning frame body 9 c. The transfer opening portion 13 o is providedbetween the developing frame body 13 and the cleaning frame member 9 c.

[0080] Description will now be made of the construction of the housingof the cartridge B according to the present embodiment.

[0081] The cartridge B shown in the present embodiment has a housingconstituted by the toner container 11 and the developing frame body 13being coupled together, and the cleaning frame body 9 c being pivotallycoupled thereto. The photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8, thedeveloping means 10 and the cleaning means 9 are contained in thishousing and made into a cartridge. This cartridge B is detachablymounted with respect to cartridge mounting means provided in the imageforming apparatus A and is used.

[0082] (Construction of the Housing of the Process Cartridge B)

[0083] The cartridge B according to the present embodiment is such thatas previously described, the toner container 11, the developing framebody 13 and the cleaning frame body 9 c are coupled together to therebyconstitute a housing. This construction will hereinafter be described indetail.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, the toner feeding member 15 is pivotallymounted on the toner container 11.

[0085] Also, the developing sleeve 12 and the developing blade 18 aremounted on the developing frame body 13. Further, the agitating member16 for circulating the toner in the developing chamber is rotatablymounted near the developing sleeve 12. Also, on the developing framebody 13, an antenna rod 89 is mounted in opposed relationship with thelengthwise direction of the developing sleeve 12 and substantially inparallelism to the developing sleeve 12.

[0086] The toner container 11 and the developing frame body 13 arewelded together (ultrasonically welded together in the presentembodiment) to thereby constitute an integral developing unit D.

[0087] A drum shutter member 20 for covering the photosensitive drum 7to thereby protect it from being exposed to light for a long time orfrom contacting with foreign substances when the cartridge B has beendetached from the image forming apparatus A is mounted on the developingunit D.

[0088] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the photosensitive drum 7, the chargingroller 8 and the various members of the cleaning means 9 are mounted onthe cleaning frame member 9 c to thereby constitute a unit C.

[0089] The developing unit D and the unit C are pivotally coupledtogether by a pin 40 to thereby constitute the cartridge B.

[0090] That is, as shown in FIG. 27, round pivot holes 13 q are formedin the tip ends of arm portions 13 p formed on the lengthwisely (axiallyof the developing sleeve 12) opposite sides of the developing frame body13 in parallelism to the developing sleeve 12.

[0091] On the other hand, recesses 9 d for receiving the arm portions 13p therein are formed at two locations in the lengthwisely opposite sidesof the cleaning frame body 9 c (see FIG. 28).

[0092] The pin 40 is forced into the mounting hole 9 e of the cleaningframe body 9 c with the arm portions 13 p inserted in the recesses 9 d.The pin 40 is then fitted into the pivot holes 13 q at the ends of thearm portions 13 p and is further forced into inner holes 9 f to therebymount the pin. Thereby, the developing unit D and the unit C are coupledtogether for pivotal movement about the pin 40.

[0093] At this time, compression coil springs 19 are inserted onto andmounted on dowels (not shown) provided upright on the roots of the armportions 13 p. The compression coil springs 19 abut against the upperwalls of the recesses 9 d of the cleaning frame body 9 c. Thus, thedeveloping frame body 13 is downwardly biased by the springs 19, wherebythe developing sleeve 12 is reliably urged against the photosensitivedrum 7.

[0094] (Holder L)

[0095] A holder L 90 is mounted on one end of the developing frame body13, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 18. As will be described later, holders aremounted on the developing frame body 13 at the opposite ends thereof.So, in order to distinguish between them, the one designated by thereference numeral 90 is defined as a holder L, and the other onedesignated by the reference numeral 91 is defined as a holder R.

[0096] A bearing 92 for rotatably supporting the developing sleeve 12 ismounted on the holder L 90. The developing sleeve 12 is held by theholder L 90 through the bearing 92. The developing sleeve 12 can alsosupported by the developing frame body 13 through the holder L 90.

[0097] The holder L 90 is provided with a developing bias contact 90 afor receiving a developing bias voltage from the image forming apparatusA and supplying it to the developing sleeve 12 (FIG. 4). Also, anelectrical contact 22 for detecting the amount of toner which will bedescribed later is mounted.

[0098] As described above, the holder L 90 has the bearing 92, thedeveloping bias contact 90 a and the electrical contact 22 incorporatedtherein. The holder L 90 is fixed to the developing frame body 13 withthe developing sleeve 12 supported by the bearing 92. Also, the magnet17 is held by a magnet supporting portion 90 f provided on the holder L90 and is supported on the developing frame body 13.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 6, the holder L 90 is fixed to the developingframe body 13 by a first screw 90 d and a second screw 90 e. Also, asshown in FIG. 5, a side of the developing frame body 13 is formed with afirst screw hole 13 m and a second screw hole 13 k for receiving thefirst screw 90 d and the second screw 90 e, respectively, therein.

[0100] (Holder R) The holder R 91 is mounted on the other end of thedeveloping frame body 13 lengthwisely opposite to the side on which theaforedescribed holder L 90 is mounted, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 24.Also, FIG. 17 is a view of the holder R 91 as it is seen from itsinside.

[0101] The holder R 91 is provided with a magnet supporting portion 91 afor fixedly supporting the magnet 17 contained in the developing sleeve12 on the developing frame body 13. Thus, the magnet 17 is held by theholder R 91 with the aid of the magnet supporting portion 91 a. Themagnet 17 can also be supported by the developing frame body 13 throughthe holder R 91.

[0102] Also, the holder R 91, as shown in FIG. 17, holds various gearsfor drive transmission. Specifically, the holder R 91 has a first idlergear 93, a second idler gear 94, a toner container agitating gear 95 anda third idler gear 96 mounted thereon.

[0103] The first idler gear 93 receives driven force from a sleeve gear97 for rotating the developing sleeve 12 at a predetermined peripheralspeed which is shown in FIG. 18.

[0104] The second idler gear 94 receives driven force from the firstidler gear 93.

[0105] The agitating gear 95 receives driven force from the second idlergear 94, and rotates the toner feeding member 15 provided in the tonercontaining part 14 which is shown in FIG. 2. The toner feeding member 15feeds the toner in the toner containing part 14 into the developingchamber 13 a.

[0106] The third idler gear 96 receives driven force from the agitatinggear 95. It rotates a developing chamber agitating gear mounted on thetoner agitating member 16 for agitating the toner in the developingchamber 13 a. The toner agitating member 16 agitates the toner in thedeveloping chamber 13 a.

[0107] As described above, the holder R 91 has the first idler gear 93,the second idler gear 94, the agitating gear 95 and the third idler gear96 incorporated therein. The holder R 91 is fixed to the developingframe body 13 with the magnet 17 supported by the magnet supportingportion 91 a.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 24, the holder R 91 is fixed to the developingframe body 13 by a first screw 91 b and a second screw 91 c. Also, asshown in FIG. 25, the toner container 11 is formed with a first screwhole 13 n for receiving the first screw 91 b therein. The developingframe body 13 is formed with a second screw hole 13 l for receiving thesecond screw 91 c therein.

[0109] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, a bearing 92 a for rotatablysupporting the developing sleeve 12 is held by a bearing holder 98. Thedeveloping sleeve 12 is held on the developing frame body 13 by thepositioning pins 91 e and 91 f of the holder R 91 shown in FIG. 17,through the bearing 92 a and the bearing holder 98. Also, on thelengthwisely opposite side, as described above, the developing sleeve 12is held on the developing frame body 13 through the bearing 92 and theholder L 90.

[0110] Also, the cartridge B is provided with first toner amountdetecting means and second toner amount detecting means for detectingthe residual amount of toner in accordance with the consumption of thetoner in the developing chamber 13 a.

[0111] (First Detecting Means)

[0112] In the present embodiment, the first detecting means is such thatas shown in FIG. 2, a first electrode 81, a second electrode 82 and athird electrode 83 as measuring electrode members constituting a toneramount detecting portion are disposed along the developing sleeve 12.The first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83, as will be describedlater, are electrically connected together in the developing frame body13 and are at the same potential. The detecting means applies a voltageto one of the first electrode 81 and the second electrode 82 to therebyinduce a capacitance between the electrodes. This capacitance ismeasured to thereby detect the amount toner. In the present embodiment,the voltage is applied to the second electrode 82, which is used as aninput side, and the first electrode 81 and the third electrode 83 areused as an output side.

[0113] The first electrode 81, the second electrode 82 and the thirdelectrode 83 are disposed at locations into which the toner carried bythe toner feeding member 15 comes. When the amount of toner in thecartridge B is great, the toner is pushed by the toner feeding member 15into the space surrounded by the electrodes, and the capacitance betweenthe electrodes continues to exhibit a high value. As the cartridge B isused, the toner is consumed and the height of the toner among theelectrodes decreases and the capacitance also decreases. Finally, thetoner near the distal end of the developing blade 18 for scraping offthe toner on the surface of the developing sleeve 12 is consumed tothereby cause a blank on an image, and there is brought about a tonerabsent state.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the developing bias voltage applied tothe developing sleeve 12 is used as an input voltage, and thecapacitance between the developing sleeve 12 and the first electrode 81is also detected to thereby detect the toner absent state. That is, thefirst detecting means can detect changes in the capacitance to therebysequentially detect the amount of toner.

[0115] According to the image forming apparatus according to the presentembodiment, the residual amount of toner in the cartridge B issequentially detected. On the basis of the information, the consumedamount of toner is displayed to thereby call upon the user to prepare afresh process cartridge or a supply cartridge. Further, it is possibleto call upon the user to interchange the process cartridge or supply thetoner by the detection information of toner absence.

[0116] (Second Detecting Means)

[0117] Description will now be made of a second toner amount detectingdevice. The second toner amount detecting device, as shown in FIG. 2, isa portion of the antenna rod 89 of an electro-conductive material, e.g.a metal wire, provided along the lengthwise direction of the developingsleeve 12.

[0118] The antenna rod 89, if made of an electro-conductive material,performs the same action, but in the present embodiment, a nonmagneticSUS material is used for it so as not to affect the circulation of thetoner. The antenna rod 89 is provided over the full length of thedeveloping sleeve 12 at a predetermined distance from the developingsleeve 12.

[0119] The capacitance between this antenna rod 89 and the developingsleeve 12 is varied by the amount of toner present therebetween. So, avariation in this capacitance is detected as a variation in potentialdifference by the toner amount detecting contact of the image formingapparatus main body to thereby detect the amount of toner. The antennarod 89 which is the second toner amount detecting device does notsequentially detect the amount of toner like the aforedescribed firsttoner amount detecting device, but effects only the detection of thevicinity of toner absence.

[0120] As described above, the cartridge B according to the presentembodiment is provided with the two toner amount detecting devices.Thereby, the cartridge B is adapted to be capable of coping with both ofan image forming apparatus main body having a mechanism for sequentiallydetecting the amount of toner and an image forming apparatus main bodyhaving no mechanism for sequentially detecting the amount of toner andeffecting only the detection of toner absence.

[0121] Description will now be made of a construction for mounting thefirst electrode 81, the second electrode 82 and the third electrode 83in the first toner amount detecting device and the antenna rod 89 whichis the second toner amount detecting device onto the constructiveportion of the developing apparatus.

[0122] The toner amount detecting devices provided by the firstelectrode 81, the second electrode 82, the third electrode 83 and theantenna rod 89 are materialized by detecting the space surrounded by thefirst electrode 81, the second electrode 82 and the third electrode 83,or the capacitance between the antenna rod 89 and the developing sleeve12. Accordingly, the positional accuracy of each electrode is veryimportant. Particularly the intervals among the first electrode 81, thesecond electrode 82 and the third electrode 83 and the position of eachelectrode relative to the developing sleeve 12 and the developing blade18 need be accurate in order to detect the amount of toner accurately.

[0123] Also, to accurately detect the time when the toner becomesexhausted and a blank on an image occurs, each electrode should bedisposed near the developing sleeve 12 on which the toner remains to thelast.

[0124] So, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, thefirst electrode 81, the second electrode 82, the third electrode 83 andthe antenna rod 89 are mounted on a developing frame, i.e., thedeveloping frame body 13.

[0125] (Mounting of the Electrodes)

[0126] The first electrode 81 is positioned by a positioning boss 13 cprovided on the mounting surface 13 b of the developing frame body 13,and is stuck on the mounting surface 13 b by a both-side tape (see FIG.4). The method of mounting the electrode is not restricted to theboth-side tape, yet the first electrode 81 is provided near thedeveloping sleeve 12 and the developing blade 18 on which the toner isconsumed lastly, in order to detect the blank on the image accurately.Consequently, in some cases, it is difficult to secure a space forfastening screws to the developing frame body 13. Accordingly, in thepresent embodiment, the fixing by the both-side tape which does notrequire such a space is adopted.

[0127] There is an arm portion (hook) 81 a on one end portion of thefirst electrode 81, and that end portion is formed with a knocked-upportion 81 b. The knocked-up portion 81 b is adapted to come into thegroove 13 d of the developing frame body 13 when the first electrode 81is mounted on the developing frame body 13. On the other hand, laterallyof the groove 13 d of the developing frame body 13, there is a hole 13 eextending through the interior of the frame body to the outside, and thelocation thereof is designed to coincide with that of the hole 81 c ofthe knocked-up portion 81 b.

[0128] The third electrode 83 has arm portions 83 a and 83 b on theopposite ends thereof, and these arm portions are placed on and fixed tothe mounting portions 13 i and 13 j of the developing frame body 13 byscrews. A knocked-up portion 83 c similar in shape to the knocked-upportion 81 b of the first electrode 81 is formed on the end of the armportion 83 a. The knocked-up portions 83 c and 81 b are designed to bein line when the third electrode 83 is mounted on the developing framebody 13.

[0129] The third electrode 83 is mounted on the developing frame body 13after the mounting of the first electrode 81. When the third electrode83 is incorporated, the knocked-up portion 83 c contacts with the armportion 81 a of the first electrode 81. In this state, the holes of theknocked-up portions 81 b and 83 c come to be in line. Thereby, theknocked-up portion 83 c of the third electrode 83 corrects the positionof the knocked-up portion 81 c of the first electrode 81 to therebyimprove the assembling property of the press-in of the electrode bar 25thereafter.

[0130] Also, the hole 13 e of the developing frame body 13 is of a shapeinto which such an elastic seal member 24 as is disclosed in JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open No. H 8-314359 is fitted, and the elasticseal member 24 is pressed thereinto from the outside of the developingframe body.

[0131] Thereafter, the electrode bar 25 is inserted into the developingframe body 13 through the elastic seal member 24. The electrode bar isthen pressed into the knocked-up portion 81 b of the first electrode 81and the knocked-up portion 83 c of the third electrode 83, and the firstelectrode 81 and the third electrode 83 are electrically connectedtogether.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the second electrode 82 is positionedby the positioning boss 13 h of the developing frame body 13 and isfixed by screws. In this case, one of the screws fastens an electrodeplate 26 and the second electrode 82 together, and effects wiring to theoutside of the developing frame body 13. It is desirable that the secondelectrode 82 be assembled after the mounting of the first electrode 81so as not to spoil the assembling property of the first electrode 81.

[0133] Description will now be made of a coupling construction for thedeveloping frame body 13 and the toner container 11 having the tonercontaining part 14.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the joined surface of the developingframe body 13 to the toner container 11 is formed with convex portions13 f and 13 g fitted into coupling concave grooves 14 a and 14 b,respectively, formed in the toner containing part 14. On the topsurfaces of these convex portions 13 f and 13 g, there are providedtriangular ribs for use when ultrasonic welding is effed, as shown incross-sectional views C-C and D-D in FIG. 8. Also, seal members 27, 28and 29 for preventing the leakage of the toner from between thedeveloping frame body 13 and the toner containing part 14 are stuckaround the opposite end portions of the developing frame body 13 and thecontact portion 26 a of the electrode plate 26. As the seal members 27,28 and 29, use is made of a sponge-like material.

[0135] The developing frame body 13 and the toner container 11 aftereach part has been incorporated thereinto are pressed with the convexportions 13 f and 13 g of the developing frame body fitted in theconcave grooves of the toner containing part 14, and ultrasonicvibration is applied to between the concave grooves and the convexportions. Thereupon, the triangular ribs are melted by frictional heatand are welded to the bottoms of the concave grooves, whereby thedeveloping frame body 13 and the toner container 11 are coupledintegrally with each other.

[0136] In the present construction, an electrical contact 23 is attachedto the toner container 11. The electrical contact 23 is provided with acontact portion 23 a with the image forming apparatus main body and acontact portion 23 b with the electrode plate 26, and the contactportion 23 b and the electrode plate 26 are electrically connectedtogether when the developing frame body 13 and the toner container 11are coupled together.

[0137] (Assembly of the Holder L and Connection of the ElectricalContact)

[0138] As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical contact 22 is provided with acontact portion 22 a, which contacts with the electrode bar 25 when theholder L 90 is mounted on the developing frame body 13. Consequently,the electrical contact 22 and the first electrode 81 and the thirdelectrode 83 are electrically connected together.

[0139] Also, a contact spring 12 a provided on one end of the developingsleeve 12 is electrically connected to a contact portion 90 c providedon a developing bias contact 90 a. A predetermined developing bias isapplied to the developing sleeve 12.

[0140] On a side of the thus assembled cartridge B, as shown in FIG. 6,there are disposed the electrical contacts 22 and 23 of the toner amountdetecting device and the developing bias contact 90 a. Thereby, thesecontacts, as shown in FIG. 7, are electrically connected to toner amountdetecting contacts 30, 105 and a developing bias contact 103 disposed inthe image forming apparatus main body when the cartridge B is mounted onthe image forming apparatus A in the direction of X.

[0141] [Method of Disassembling and Reproducing the Process Cartridge B]

[0142] (Method of Disassembling the Cartridge B)

[0143] Description will now be made of a method of disassembling thecartridge B. The process of disassembling is shown in FIG. 30.

[0144] First, the aforedescribed coupling pin 40 is pulled out from theoutside or pushed out from the inside to thereby divide the unit C andthe developing unit D.

[0145] The unit C is reproduced by cleaning the waste toner in the wastetoner reservoir 9 b, and reproducing or interchanging the photosensitivedrum 7, the cleaning means 9 comprised of the cleaning blade 9 a, etc.and the charging roller 8.

[0146] (Method of Disassembling the Developing Unit D)

[0147] The first screw 90 d and the second screw 90 e shown in FIG. 6are removed to thereby remove from the developing frame body 13 theholder L 90 which is a supporting member fixed to the developing framebody 13. Also, the first screw 91 b and the second screw 91 c shown inFIG. 24 are removed to thereby remove from the developing frame body 13the holder R 91 which is a supporting member (the step of removing thesupporting member, S1 in FIG. 30).

[0148] Thereafter, the developing sleeve 12 and the developing blade 18are removed, and the developing frame body 13 and the toner container 11are separated from each other (the step of separating the developingframe body S2 in FIG. 30).

[0149] As previously described, the developing frame body 13 and thetoner container 11 are coupled together as by ultrasonic welding andcannot be easily separated from each other.

[0150] So, to separate the developing frame body 13 and the tonercontainer 11 from each other, the welded surfaces thereof are cut by acutter 51 as shown in FIG. 9, or cut by ultrasonic cutting work (notshown) or laser beam machining or the like (not shown).

[0151] Describing the case of the cutter 51, the place to be cut is thejoined surface 41 which is a welded joint portion as shown in FIG. 9.Otherwise, as shown in FIG. 10, the welded portion may be evaded andcutting may be done along the joined surface 41. The ultrasonic cuttingwork is also similar in that ultrasonic vibration is applied to thecutter 51. In the case of the laser beam machining, the reach distanceof a laser beam is designed to be limited to the portion to be cut.

[0152] (Method of Coupling the Developing Frame Body 13 and the TonerContainer 11 Together)

[0153] The cleaning of the toner in the toner containing portion 14provided in the separated toner container 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 11,a toner seal member 61 is fixed to the opening portion which is a tonersupplying opening by heat welding, bonding, a both-side tape or the liketo thereby reseal the opening portion (the sticking step, S3 in FIG.30). The opening portion provided in the toner containing part 14 isprovided on a side opposed to the developing frame body 13 for thepurpose of supplying the toner toward the photosensitive drum 7.

[0154] After the toner seal member 61 has been stuck, refill with afresh toner is effected (the step of refilling with the developer, S4 inFIG. 30).

[0155] The disassembled developing frame body 13, as shown in FIG. 12,is in a state in which the overlapping portions 27 f, 28 f, 29 f, 28 gand 29 g of the triangular ribs of the convex portions 13 f and 13 gmelted and coupled together by an ultrasonic wave during coupling andthe convex portions 13 f and 13 g of the seal members 27, 28 and 29 aremelted and solidified. Therefore, it is necessary to seal so that thetoner may not leak from these portions when recoupling has been done.

[0156] So, as shown in FIG. 14, a sponge-like seal member 71 f (see FIG.13) is stuck on the opening side of the toner containing part 14 ratherthan on the overlapping portions 27 f, 28 f and 29 f, astride the sealmembers 27, 28 and 29, to thereby seal the upper side of the frame body.Likewise, a seal member 71 g is stuck on the opening side rather than onthe overlapping portions 28 g and 29 g shown in FIG. 12 to thereby sealthe lower side of the frame body.

[0157] Thereafter, the reproduced developing frame body 13 and tonercontainer 11 are coupled together by coupling fittings 52 which is aclip made of a spring material having a U-shaped cross section as shownin FIG. 15 (the developing frame body coupling step: S5 in FIG. 30).

[0158] Regarding the coupling of these, however, it is also possible toaccomplish it by the use of not only the coupling fittings 52, but amethod such as screwing, bonding, both-side tape sticking, ultrasonicwelding or heat welding.

[0159] (Mounting of the Sleeve Unit)

[0160] The bearing 92 a, a bearing holder 98 for supporting it, thedeveloping sleeve 12 and the developing blade 18 are mounted on thecoupled developing frame body 13 by diversion, reproduction orinterchange.

[0161] (Mounting of the Holders)

[0162] Due to the above-described separation (by cutting) of thedeveloping frame body 13 and the toner container 11, second screw holes13 k and 13 l for fixing the holder L 90 and the holder R 91 to thedeveloping frame body 13 become unusable. That is, these second screwholes 13 k and 13 l are cut along the cutting surface of a cutter 51 bythe cutter 51. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, cutting surfaces 13 k-1 and 13l-1 are formed on the lengthwise extensions of the triangular ribs.

[0163] That is, the second screw holes 13 k and 13 l are provided on thelengthwise extension on the joined surface 41 which is the joint portionof the developing frame body 13 with the toner container 11 and near thejoined surface 41. Consequently, the second screw holes 13 k and 13 lare also cut when as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the developing frame body13 and the toner container 11 are separated from the joined surface 41by the use of the cutter 51. FIGS. 3A and 29A show the states of thesecond screw holes 13 k and 13 l before the developing frame body 13 isseparated from the toner container 11. Also, FIGS. 3B and 29B show thestates of the second screw holes 13 k and 13 l after the separation. Ascan be seen from these figures, the second screw holes 13 k and 13 l arecut into a state in which they cannot be used again as screw holes.Separating the developing frame body 13 from the toner container 11 insuch a manner as not to damage the second screw holes 13 k and 13 lrequires the cutting work by the cutter 51 to be done cautiously, andrequires many working steps (a long time). Consequently, when the numberof working steps is taken into account, it is more efficient to cut thesecond screw holes 13 k and 13 l provided on the lengthwise extensionson the joined surface 41 and near the joined surface 41 when the cuttingwork by the cutter 51 is done, and the number of the working steps canbe improved.

[0164] Therefore, the screwing by these second screw holes 13 k and 13 lbecomes impossible when reassembly which will be described later iseffected thereafter. Accordingly, screwing portions for fixing theholder L 90 and the holder R 91 to the developing frame body 13 becomefirst screw holes 13 m and 13 n alone, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 19.

[0165] However, fixing each holder to the developing frame body 13 byonly one screw, as compared with fixing each holder to the developingframe body 13 by two screws, is reduced in fastening force relative tothe developing frame body 13. Therefore, the supported state of theparts supported by each holder relative to the developing frame body 13may be aggravated to thereby give rise to the following problems.

[0166] The supporting of the developing sleeve 12 rotatably supported bythe holder L 90 through the bearing 92 becomes unstable as compared witha case where the holder L 90 is screwed by two screws. That is, with thedriving of the developing sleeve 12, the bearing 92 and the holder L 90supporting the developing sleeve 12 cause vibration or positionaldeviation, and this leads to the aggravation of the quality of image.

[0167] Also, the supporting of the magnet 17, the first idler gear 93,the second idler gear 94, the toner container agitating gear 95 and thethird idler gear 96 supported relative to the developing frame body 13by the holder R 91 becomes unstable and causes vibration, and this leadsto the aggravation of the quality of image.

[0168] Also, the electrical contact 22 and the developing bias contact90 a assembled to the holder L 90 are electrically connected to thecontact portions 105 and 103, respectively, of the image formingapparatus A shown in FIG. 7. If, however, the fixing of the holder L 90to the developing frame body 13 is unstable, the connected states of theelectrical contact 22 and the developing bias contact 90 a to thecontact portions 105 and 103 become unstable due to vibration,positional deviation or the like, and this may cause faulty conduction.

[0169] So, in order to solve these problems, it is necessary to effectthe fixing of the holder R 91 and the holder L 90 firmly.

[0170] So, by one of the following methods, the holder R 91 and theholder L 90 are fixed to respective fixing portions by the use ofcoupling fittings 53-56 (the supporting member mounting step: S6 in FIG.30). The coupling fittings 53-56 are made of such a U-shaped springmaterial as shown in FIG. 23, and have such predetermined springpressure as can firmly fix the holders and each portion when they are tobe fixed.

[0171] (First Fixing Method: Holder L 90 and Developing Frame Body 13)

[0172]FIG. 16 shows a state in which the holder L 90 is mounted in afirst screw hole 13 m of the developing frame body 13 by a screw 90 d.

[0173] A second screw hole 13 k is formed with a cutting surface 13 k-1by the cutting by the cutter, and it is impossible to fix the holder L90 to the developing frame body 13 by the use of the second screw hole13 k.

[0174] So, design is made such that the coupling fittings 53 are mountedso as to sandwich the holder L 90 and the developing frame body 13 tothereby fix the two firmly.

[0175] More particularly, design is made such that a concave portion 90g formed in the outer side of the mounting surface of the electricalcontact 22 which is provided on the holder L 90 and the mounting portion13 s of the developing frame body 13 for the seal member 27 are fixed bythe coupling fittings 53 (see FIGS. 4 and 16).

[0176] The mounting location for the coupling fittings 53 may be anylocation at which the holder L 90 and the developing frame body 13 canbe fixed firmly. That is, the coupling fittings 53 may be mounted at anylocation except a location which will hinder the insertion thereof intothe electrophotographic image forming apparatus A, a location which willhinder the assembling of the unit C, the electrical contact portions,etc.

[0177] (Second Fixing Method: Holder R 91 and Developing Frame Body 13)

[0178]FIG. 19 show a state in which the holder R 91 is mounted in afirst screw hole 13 n of the developing frame body 13 by a screw 91 b.

[0179] A second screw hole 13 l is formed with a cutting surface 13 l-1by the cutting by the cutter, and it is impossible to fix the holder R91 to the developing frame body 13 by the use of the second screw hole13 l.

[0180] So, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, the coupling fittings 55 aremounted so as to sandwich the holder R 91 and the developing frame body13 to thereby fix the two (FIG. 20 is a view taken along the directionof arrow A in FIG. 19, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view correspondingto FIG. 20).

[0181] More particularly, design is made such that the outer end surface91 d of the holder R 91 shown in FIGS. 20 and 22 and the side plate 13 tof the developing frame body 13 shown in FIG. 25 are fixed by thecoupling fittings 55. The side plate 13 t covers a portion of a tonercap 11 a provided on the toner container 11 shown in FIG. 25.

[0182] However, the mounting location for the coupling fittings 55 maybe any location at which the holder R 91 and the developing frame body13 can be fixed firmly. That is, the coupling fittings 55 may be mountedat any location except a location which will hinder the insertionthereof into the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A, alocation which will hinder the assembling of the unit C, etc.

[0183] (Third Fixing Method: Holder R 91 and Toner Container 11)

[0184]FIGS. 21 and 26 show a state in which the holder R 91 is fixed tothe toner container 11 by coupling fittings 56 (FIG. 21 is a view takenalong the direction of arrow A in FIG. 19, and FIG. 26 is a perspectiveview corresponding to FIG. 21).

[0185] The outer end surface 91 d of the holder R 91 and a reinforcingrib 11 b provided in the toner container 11 which is shown in FIGS. 21and 26 are fixed by the coupling fittings 56.

[0186] (Summary of the Fixing Method)

[0187] The fixing method for the holder R 91 and the holder L 90 can becarried out by suitably combining the methods as described above.

[0188] (Assembling of the Process Cartridge)

[0189] Next, assembling is effected by a procedure opposite todisassembling. However, the parts of the unit C and the developing unitD are suitably inspected and reusable ones are cleaned and thereafterassembled, and unreusable parts are interchanged to new parts and theassembling thereof is effected. Thereafter, the assembled unit C anddeveloping unit D are coupled together by the coupling pin 40 and arereproduced as a process cartridge.

[0190] The above-described embodiment of the present invention can besummarized and supplemented as follows.

[0191] A method of reproducing a process cartridge or a developingapparatus provided with:

[0192] a toner container 11 containing therein a toner which is adeveloper;

[0193] a developing frame body 13 coupled to the toner container 11; and

[0194] a holder (at least one of a holder L 90 and a holder R 91) forholding at least one (e.g. a developing sleeve 12) of the constituentparts of developing means 10 mounted on one end of the developing framebody 13 for developing a latent image on a photosensitive drum 7 as animage bearing member by the use of the toner in the toner container 11,the process cartridge or the developing apparatus being made detachablyattachable to an image forming apparatus, has the steps of:

[0195] removing the holder from the developing frame body 13;

[0196] separating the toner container 11 and the developing frame body13 from each other;

[0197] sticking a toner seal member 61 for closing a toner supplyingopening portion provided in that side of the toner container 11 which isadjacent to the developing frame body 13;

[0198] filling (refilling) the toner container 11 with the toner;

[0199] coupling the toner container 11 and the developing frame body 13together; and

[0200] coupling at least one of the toner container 11 and thedeveloping frame body 13, and the holder together by the use of acoupling member.

[0201] The coupling member used to couple at least one of the tonercontainer 11 and the developing frame body 13, and the holder togetherwill be described here.

[0202] As described above, design is made such that the holder is fixedto at least one of the toner container 11 and the developing frame body13 by the coupling fittings 53-56 to thereby increase the fixingstrength of the holder. Thereby, the member held by this holder isstably positioned, whereby it is made possible to form an image of highquality.

[0203] As the coupling fittings 53-56, there has specifically been shownan example which adopts a sandwiching member for sandwiching two membersto be coupled together, by the use of a member having a U-shaped crosssection, as shown in FIG. 23.

[0204] However, the coupling member is not restricted to such one. Thatis, any member which can fix the holder to at least one of the tonercontainer 11 and the developing frame body 13 is applicable.

[0205] As described above, however, in the present embodiment, the losscaused by the screwing holes becoming unusable to thereby reduce thefixing force at the step of separating the toner container 11 and thedeveloping frame body 13 from each other is made up for. Therefore,there is the purpose of increasing the fixing force by the couplingmember.

[0206] Suitable as this coupling member is one which enables coupling tobe accomplished by simple work and which occupies a small space.Accordingly, besides the sandwiching member as described above, anadhesive tape or the like can also be suitably used.

[0207] Description will now be made of a specific example of the holderwhich becomes the object in the above-described reproducing process.

[0208] The holder rotatably holds the developing sleeve 12 for carryingthe toner to a developing position while carrying thereon the toner inthe toner container 11, through the bearing 92. That is, in theabove-described example, the holder L 90 can be the object.

[0209] In this case, the holder L 90 is firmly fixed to at least one ofthe toner container 11 and the developing frame body 13. Therefore, thepositional deviation, the vibration or the like of the developing sleeve12 can be reduced, and this contributes to an improvement in the qualityof image.

[0210] Also, the holder holds the magnet 17 contained in the developingsleeve 12 for carrying the toner to the developing position whilecarrying thereon the toner in the toner container 11. That is, in theabove-described example, the holder R 91 can be applied.

[0211] In this case, the holder R 91 is firmly fixed to at least one ofthe toner container 11 and the developing frame body 13. Therefore, thepositional deviation, the vibration or the like of the magnet 17 can bereduced, and this contributes to the improvement in the quality ofimage.

[0212] Also, the holder holds drive transmitting gears (the first idlergear 93, the second idler gear 94, the toner container agitating gear 95and the third idler gear 96) having a gear (the first idler gear 93) fortransmitting the driving force from the developing sleeve 12 forcarrying the toner to the developing position while carrying thereon thetoner in the toner container 11. That is, in the above-describedexample, the holder R 91 can be applied.

[0213] In this case, the holder R 91 is firmly fixed to at least one ofthe toner container 11 and the developing frame body 13. Therefore, thepositional deviation, the vibration or the like of each drivetransmitting gear can be reduced and drive transmission becomes smooth,and this contributes to the improvement in the quality of image.

[0214] Further, the holder holds the electrical contact portion(electrical contacts 22 and 23) which is an intermediary portion for theexchange of electricity between the image forming apparatus main bodyside and the process cartridge side. That is, in the above-describedexample, the holder L 90 can be applied.

[0215] In this case, the holder L 90 is firmly fixed to at least one ofthe toner container 11 and the developing frame body 13. Therefore,faulty electrical contact or the like can be prevented, and thiscontributes to the improvement in the quality of image.

[0216] As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentinvention, it is not necessary to adopt a complicated working method inthe separating work for the developing frame body 13 and the tonercontainer 11. That is, even if cutting and separation are effected bythe cutter or the like, there can be reproduced a process cartridge or adeveloping apparatus which is high in quality. Accordingly, in the workof separating the frame body, any excess number of steps can becurtailed and a simple step suffices.

[0217] Also, the holder and the developing frame body 13 or the tonercontainer 11 can be firmly fixed to each other. Therefore, the stabilityof each member held by the holder increases and a faulty image which mayoccur from the instability of each member can be prevented.

[0218] The steps in the reproducing method of the present invention arenot restricted to the aforedescribed order of steps, but may be suitablychanged in order.

[0219] The present invention also covers any of the following cases.

[0220] (1) A case where in reproducing a process cartridge, only theparts removed from the process cartridge are reused to effect thereproduction of the cartridge.

[0221] (2) A case where in the aforedescribed case (1), regarding partswhich cannot be reused because of having reached the end of their livesor being damaged, the reproduction of a cartridge is effected by the useof new parts or reusable parts removed from other cartridge.

[0222] (3) A case where in reproducing a process cartridge, partsremoved from a plurality of process cartridges are once gathered by eachkind of parts, and necessary parts are selected from among the partsgathered by each kind of parts, and those parts are reused to effect thereproduction of the cartridge.

[0223] (4) A case where in the aforedescribed case (3), regarding partswhich cannot be reused because of having reached the end of their livesor being damaged, new parts are used to effect the reproduction of thecartridge.

[0224] The aforementioned parts are articles constituting theconstruction described in the appended claims, i.e., constituting someportions of a cartridge. They also cover a minimum unit or a unit whichcan be disassembled.

[0225] As described above, according to the present invention, thereproduction of a process cartridge and a developing apparatus can beeffected easily. Also, it has become possible to simply effect thecoupling of a toner container and a developing frame body. Further, ithas become possible to simply and reliably mount a developing member onthe developing apparatus and the process cartridge.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of reproducing a developing apparatusdetachably attachable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatusmain body and for developing a latent image formed on anelectrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing apparatushaving a developing member for developing said latent image formed onsaid electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developer containerhaving a developer containing part containing therein a developer to beused by said developing member, and provided with a developer supplyingopening for supplying the developer contained in said developercontaining part to said developing member, a supporting member providedon a lengthwise end portion of said developing apparatus for supportingsaid developing member, and a developing frame body provided with adeveloper passing opening for passing therethrough the developersupplied from said developer supplying opening, and having a jointportion to be joined to said developer container, and a mounting portionfor mounting said supporting member, the method comprising: a supportingmember removing step of removing said supporting member from saiddeveloping frame body; a developing frame body separating step ofseparating said developer container and said developing frame body fromeach other in said joint portion, and at which at least a portion ofsaid mounting portion is removed when said developer container and saiddeveloping frame body are separated from each other; a sticking step ofsticking a seal member for closing said developer supplying openingprovided in said developer container separated at said developing framebody separating step; a developer refilling step of refilling saiddeveloper containing part provided in said developer container separatedat said developing frame body separating step with the developer; adeveloping frame body coupling step of coupling said developer containerand said developing frame body separated at said developing frame bodyseparating step together after said sticking step; and a supportingmember attaching step of attaching said supporting member removed atsaid removing step onto at least one of said developer container andsaid developing frame body by the use of a coupling member.
 2. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said developing frame body is joined tosaid developer container in said joint portion by ultrasonic welding,and at said developing frame body separating step, said developercontainer and said developing frame body are separated from each otherby the use of a cutter.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein saiddeveloping frame body is joined to said developer container in saidjoint portion by ultrasonic welding, and at said developing frame bodyseparating step, said developer container and said developing frame bodyare separated from each other by the use of a laser.
 4. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein at said supporting member attaching step,said coupling member is mounted with said supporting member and saiddeveloping frame body sandwiched thereby.
 5. A method according to claim1, wherein at said supporting member attaching step, said couplingmember is mounted with said supporting member and said developercontainer sandwiched thereby.
 6. A method according to claim 4 or 5,wherein said coupling member is constituted by a U-shaped springmaterial.
 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein said coupling memberis constituted by a plate spring material.
 8. A method according toclaim 1, wherein said mounting portion is a boss having a screw hole forattaching said supporting member by a screw, and at said developingframe body separating step, a portion of said boss is removed.
 9. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein said supporting member has drivingforce transmitting means for transmitting a driving force to saiddeveloping member, and at said supporting member removing step, saidsupporting member is removed from said developing frame body whileholding said driving force transmitting means, and at said supportingmember attaching step, said supporting member is attached onto saiddeveloping frame body while holding said driving force transmittingmeans.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said supporting memberhas a developing bias contact for contacting with said developing memberand supplying a voltage to said developing member, and at saidsupporting member removing step, said supporting ember is removed fromsaid developing frame body while holding said developing bias contact,and at said supporting member attaching step, said supporting member isattached onto said developing frame body while holding said developingbias contact.
 11. A method of reproducing a process cartridge detachablyattachable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,said process cartridge having a developing member for developing alatent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member,said electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developer containerhaving a developer containing part containing therein a developer to beused by said developing member, and provided with a developer supplyingopening for supplying the developer contained in said developercontaining part to said developing member, a supporting member providedon a lengthwise end portion of said process cartridge for supportingsaid developing member, and a developing frame body provided with adeveloper passing opening for passing therethrough the developersupplied from said developer supplying opening, and having a jointportion to be joined to said developer container, and a mounting portionfor mounting said supporting member, the method comprising: a supportingmember removing step of removing said supporting member from saiddeveloping frame body; a developing frame body separating step ofseparating said developer container and said developing frame body fromeach other in said joint portion, and at which at least a portion ofsaid mounting portion is removed when said developer container and saiddeveloping frame body are separated from each other; a sticking step ofsticking a seal member for closing the developer supplying openingprovided in the developer container separated at said developing framebody separating step; a developer refilling step of refilling thedeveloper containing part provided in the developer container separatedat said developing frame body separating step with the developer; adeveloping frame body coupling step of coupling said developer containerand the developing frame body separated at said developing frame bodyseparating step together after said sticking step; and a supportingmember attaching step of attaching the supporting member removed at saidremoving step onto at least one of said developer container and saiddeveloping frame body by the use of a coupling member after saiddeveloping frame body coupling step.
 12. A method according to claim 11,wherein said developing frame body is joined to said developer containerin said joint portion by ultrasonic welding, and at said developingframe body separating step, said developer container and said developingframe body are separated from each other by the use of a cutter.
 13. Amethod according to claim 11, wherein said developing frame body isjoined to said developer container in said joint portion by ultrasonicwelding, and at said developing frame body separating step, saiddeveloper container and said developing frame body are separated fromeach other by the use of a laser.
 14. A method according to claim 11,wherein at said supporting member attaching step, said coupling memberis mounted with said supporting member and said developing frame bodysandwiched thereby.
 15. A method according to claim 11, wherein at saidsupporting member attaching step, said coupling member is mounted withsaid supporting member and said developer container sandwiched thereby.16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said coupling memberis constituted by a U-shaped spring material.
 17. A method according toclaim 16, wherein said coupling member is constituted by a plate springmaterial.
 18. A method according to claim 11, wherein said mountingportion is a boss having a screw hole for attaching said supportingmember by a screw, and at said developing frame body separating step, aportion of said boss is removed.
 19. A method according to claim 11,wherein said supporting member has driving force transmitting means fortransmitting a driving force to said developing member, and at saidsupporting member removing step, said supporting member is removed fromsaid developing frame body while holding said driving force transmittingmeans, and at said supporting member attaching step, said supportingmember is attached onto said developing frame body while holding saiddriving force transmitting means.
 20. A method according to claim 11,wherein said supporting member has a developing bias contact forcontacting with said developing member and supplying a voltage to saiddeveloping member, and at said supporting member removing step, saidsupporting member is removed from said developing frame body whilehaving said developing bias contact, and at said supporting memberattaching step, said supporting member is attached onto said developingframe body while holding said developing bias contact.